Off-seasons like spring and fall are the best times of year to start thinking about your summer air conditioning needs. Summer can quickly get busy with people scheduling A/C appointments and setting up air conditioner installations, so if your air conditioner fails it could mean waiting in the heat until it can be fixed. Getting a jumpstart on updating or replacing your air conditioner can save you a hassle in the future. (If you’re wondering if your air conditioner is on its way out, check out our article “Signs its Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner”).
To get the process going, you’ll need to pick an air conditioner that fits your home’s needs and your ideal price point. There are plenty of options to choose from, so selecting one can be a confusing process. Notably, choosing a brand of air conditioner can be a tricky process in itself. Between energy efficiency, SEER rating, and price point, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner brand. To help you decide on a brand of A/C unit, our Bozeman HVAC team compiled a list of the best air conditioner brands of 2023 so you can pick which brand fits your home’s needs and budget.
Best Air Conditioner Brands of 2023
Trane
Price Range: between $$ to $$$$
Reasons to Buy: Smart home features, rigorous testing procedures, durable features
We believe Trane is one of the best air conditioner brands on the market. The reliability of Trane HVAC systems is renowned, hence its slogan: “It’s hard to stop a Trane.” In fact, Trane has succeeded in winning the title of America’s Most Trusted HVACⓇ System since 2015. Every Trane air conditioner is tested to withstand extreme conditions, so they are extremely durable and long-lasting. Certain Trane model thermostats link to Wi-Fi, so you have ultimate control over your home’s temperature from your computer, tablet or smart phone. Additionally, many Trane air conditioning models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they can help you save a few extra dollars on your monthly power bill.
Mountain Heating in Cooling is a Pro Trane Dealer with Train Certified Trane Comfort Specialists. If you have any questions about Trane air conditioner models and which may best suit your needs, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today.
Lennox
Price Range: $ to $$$$
Reasons to Buy: Energy efficient, saves money on utility bills, high SEER rated models
If you want a highly efficient, cost-effective air conditioning system, a Lennox air conditioner is for you. Seven out of the nine Lennox air conditioner models are ENERGY STAR certified, and they rate as high as a 28 on the SEER scale. Also, consumers say Lennox air conditioners are some of the quietest A/C units on the market, making them ideal if you want some extra peace and quiet around the house.
Mitsubishi
Price Range: $ to $$$$
Reasons to Buy: Customizable A/C solutions, ductless air conditioning, Trane partner
Whether you want a ductless or ducted A/C unit, a Mitsubishi air conditioner can help meet your cooling needs. Mitsubishi offers a range of innovative A/C solutions, so you can customize your system to meet your home’s needs. Their popular Zoned Comfort SolutionsⓇ allow you to break up your home into zones, so you can adjust the heating and cooling according to each zone’s specifications. Many of these systems are ENERGY STAR certified and have SEER ratings up to 28.2. Plus, Mitsubishi and Trane recently joined together to provide more heating and cooling solutions for consumers, so you get Trane-level quality when you order certain models of Mitsubishi air conditioners.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
- Comfort Features – Air conditioning condensers come in three comfort models based on the features:
- Best – Variable Condenser provides most even and most efficient of cooling systems, keeping the temperature change to a minimum and matching lower fan speeds to maintenance levels of cooling
- Better – 2 Stage Condenser provides two levels of cool: low and high. This is a great complement to a Variable Fan 2 Stage Furnace
- Single Stage – 1 Stage Condenser lowest cost initially, less efficient than other options. Can be installed on a Single Stage, Variable 2 Stage and a Fully Variable Furnace but will only operate in 100% cooling making your temp changes from on to off approximately 4 degrees from the call for cool to rest.
- Energy Efficiency – Selecting an energy-efficient air conditioner can help save you money in the long run. Many of the best air conditioner brands on the market are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict standards for using less energy. A good SEER rating also indicates energy efficiency. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the ratio of an air conditioner’s cooling output over a cooling season divided by the energy used in watt-hours. The minimum standard SEER rating is 13, but many of the more efficient models on the market have a rating as high as 28.
- Price – It’s important to consider your budget when choosing an air conditioner. Keep in mind that systems with a higher price tag tend to be more efficient, which can make them less expensive to operate in the long run.
- Size – Ensure your chosen A/C unit is a suitable size for your desired location. An ACCA Approved Load Calculation IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY SIZE YOUR SYSTEM. If an A/C unit is too large or small, it can actually be less efficient for your home and use too much energy. A professional HVAC technician can help you pick an air conditioner with the right dimensions for your home. They can assess your home’s available space to ensure you choose an A/C unit with the right dimensions.
- Quality – Choosing an A/C system that stands the test of time is important to get the most out of your air conditioner. You want to choose an A/C system that will serve your home well for decades, so selecting a unit with reliable, well-made components is crucial. More expensive systems are often higher in quality, but it’s important to focus on an A/C unit’s unique specifications to pick the best option for your home. Our HVAC technicians at Mountain Heating and Cooling are highly-trained and understand the difference between various A/C unit specifications and features, so consult with our technicians if you need help choosing an A/C unit.
- Noise – Noise must be considered when choosing a new air conditioner unit, because it can affect your comfort and quality of life. A noisy air conditioner can disturb your sleep quality, productivity, neighbors, and ability to relax, so select an air conditioner with a noise level that promotes your overall comfort.
- Warranty – Warranty is an important factor to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner unit because it can protect you from unexpected repair costs and provide peace of mind. An air conditioner warranty can provide coverage for repairs or replacement of defective parts and systems, saving you the cost of out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, a warranty can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner unit. By having regular maintenance and repairs covered under the warranty, you can ensure that your unit is functioning at optimal levels and prevent breakdowns that could shorten its lifespan.
Let’s Chat about The Best Air Conditioner Brands for Your Home
Your home is unique, so it’s important to choose an air conditioner that fits your home’s needs, is energy efficient, and lasts for years. If you need an expert’s opinion on which air conditioner unit may be best for you, chat with our Bozeman air conditioning installation specialists. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we take the time to understand your home and budget so we can best serve you and your home. Your comfort is important to us, so we provide only the best in customer service and heating and cooling services. To schedule an appointment to find the best air conditioner brand for your home, fill out a contact form or call us at (406) 586-4007.